A drag queen struts her stuff in Wilton Manors, Florida.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, sunny Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable destination, boasting miles of pristine white sand beaches. With a diverse array of dining options and accommodations for every budget, the area also features the vibrant enclave of Wilton Manors. For those unfamiliar, Wilton Manors is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly places I’ve visited, with nearly every establishment LGBTQ-owned and with something for everyone to enjoy.
Exploring the Nightlife
Rosie’s Bar & Grill is a long-standing favorite among locals and visitors alike. Located at the northern end of the Wilton Manors strip, this restaurant and bar has a spacious patio and a varied menu. You’ll find cleverly named entrees and playful drink options that are sure to make you smile. Their famous Friday Fish Fry and lively Sunday brunch with a DJ are other must-tries!
Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the best LGBTQ+ travel guides, stories, and more.
You could spend an entire evening strolling along Wilton Drive, where each stop has a unique atmosphere filled with energetic crowds that celebrate LGBTQ culture. Here are some highlights:
Spencer’s Corner Bar: This venue has an upscale restaurant vibe and features an expansive covered outdoor space.
Gym Sportsbar: A lively bar equipped with multiple TVs showcasing various sports, where patrons often spill out onto the sidewalk.
Pub on the Drive: Known for its vibrant party and dance atmosphere, this place is always buzzing with energy.
Drynk: This establishment exudes the charm of an older Boston-style bar, creating a captivating ambiance.
Shopping Adventures
The Wilton Collective
In addition to the bars, the strip offers diverse shopping experiences. I stopped by Top and Bottoms, a clothing store owned by the charming Nathaniel Perez. Originally from New York, Nathaniel opened this shop two and a half years ago to provide options that were absent in the area. With a boutique focus, he showcases seven vendors from South America, featuring a collection of unique fabrics rather than mainstream brands.
Just around the corner, True Blue Clothing has been a staple for over two decades, with the owner even designing some of the shirts himself. It felt great to observe that nearly every business in this community is LGBTQ-friendly or owned.
Don’t miss the Wilton Collective, a nonprofit resale shop brimming with eclectic furniture, knick-knacks, clothing, and more. Launched by the nonprofit organization Julian’s Fountain of Youth, the shop aims to support local queer youth through its profits and offers hands-on training opportunities for young workers.
If you still have energy to spare, make sure to stop by the charming Wilton Creamery for some unique treats. The selection is so creative, including funky malt options, that it can be hard to choose!
Related:
Beach and Pool Relaxation
Sunrise from the Four Seasons
For this trip, we decided to indulge in luxury and booked an ocean-view room at the Four Seasons Hotel & Residences Fort Lauderdale. This stunning beachfront property offers exceptional service and delectable dining options. Its outstanding fitness center was a much-appreciated bonus for keeping active amidst all the great food.
The hotel’s restaurant, Evelyn’s Fort Lauderdale, overlooks the pool deck on the third floor. We kicked off our culinary journey with a complimentary Tequila Academy class, led by Justin, our bartender. He took us through a fascinating virtual tour of tequila’s history, production process, and the various types, even touching on mezcals – a personal favorite of mine!
Dinner at Evelyn’s was an unforgettable experience, featuring creative Mediterranean-inspired dishes, an abundance of fresh seafood, and possibly the best Caesar salad I’ve ever tasted. Be sure to try the Australian Wagyu beef skewers and the olivewood smoked octopus, and don’t miss the chance to enjoy a Tequila Sunrise after our earlier tasting!
On our beach day, the Four Seasons staff pampered us from the moment we set foot in the sand, providing us with complimentary lounge chairs, umbrellas, cold water, and sunscreen to enhance our beach experience. The beach was an ideal spot for people-watching, with plenty of interesting sights to enjoy.
We spent another day at the hotel’s pool deck, where we rented a cabana with daybeds. This allowed us a perfect view of the pool activities while also giving us a cozy spot to nap whenever we needed. Renting a cabana included lunch from Evelyn’s, making us feel truly pampered. The hotel offers both an adults-only and a family pool, catering to everyone’s needs.
My only mistake of the trip happened when I saw one of the staff members offering what looked like Jell-O shots. Excited, I sat up eagerly to take one, only to learn that he was actually distributing aloe vera gel for guests who may have overindulged in the sun. Thankfully, I realized this before consuming it – a lesson learned!
Join the GayCitiesnewsletter for weekly updates on the best LGBTQ+ destinations and events—both nearby and around the world.
